Page:Arthur Machen - The Hill of Dreams.djvu/180

THE HILL OF DREAMS business would be more suitable and more practical. He pointed out that you had not had the advantages of a university training, and said that you would find men who had made good friends, and had the tone of the university, would be before you at every step. He said Edward was doing very well at Oxford. He writes to them that he knows several noblemen, and that young Philip Bullingham (son of Sir John Bullingham) is his most intimate friend; of course this is very satisfactory for the Dixons. I am afraid, my dear Lucian, you have rather overrated your powers. Wouldn't it be better, even now, to look out for some real work to do, instead of wasting your time over those silly old books? I know quite well how the Gervases and the Dixons feel; they think idleness so injurious for a young man, and likely to lead to bad habits. You know, my dear Lucian, I am only writing like this because of my affection for you, so I am sure, my dear boy, you won't be offended.'

Lucian pigeon-holed the letter solemnly in the receptacle lettered 'Barbarians.' He felt that he ought to ask himself some serious questions: 'Why haven't I passed fifth? why isn't Philip (son of Sir John) my most intimate friend? why am I an 170